1) When handwritten - neat, tidy penmanship.
When typed, follow all standard MLA conventions (Purdue's Online Writing Lab - OWL).
2) Spelling counts – ask me or use a dictionary
3) Grammar counts – subject/verb agreement -
a. Plural noun/singular verb
Singular noun/plural verb
Example: The girls sing… The girl sings…
b. Complete sentences vs. Fragments vs. Run-ons
4. Capitalization – sentences, formal nouns
5. No first person references to yourself –
“I think,” “I believe,” “I feel,” "we," "you," etc.
6. No contractions in formal writing. Don't confuse contractions with plurals and possessive forms.
7. Toughest Concept: All literature is always present tense.
correct: Tom Robinson is shot by the prison guards.
incorrect: Tom Robinson was shot by the prison guards.